Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive problems.

While it affects an estimated 10 million people in the United States alone, its symptoms often overlap with those of other conditions, making a proper diagnosis challenging. Here are seven illnesses that share similar symptoms with fibromyalgia:.

1. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a condition in which a person experiences severe fatigue that is not related to any underlying medical condition.

Patients with CFS also often experience headaches, muscle pain, and sleep disturbances, much like fibromyalgia patients. Unlike fibromyalgia patients, however, CFS patients do not necessarily experience pain in specific tender points of the body.

2. Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease is an infectious disease caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria and is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected tick.

While the main symptom of Lyme disease is a distinctive rash at the site of the tick bite, it can also cause muscle pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties, much like fibromyalgia. Moreover, Lyme disease can lead to chronic pain which is often undiagnosed as fibromyalgia.

3. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the central nervous system, leading to a range of symptoms, including muscle weakness, pain, and fatigue.

Like fibromyalgia, MS can cause cognitive problems, including memory loss and difficulty concentrating, making it easy to misdiagnose as fibromyalgia.

4. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. Fibromyalgia also causes widespread pain and fatigue, but unlike RA, fibromyalgia does not cause joint inflammation.

Nevertheless, the two conditions can coexist, leading to a challenging diagnosis.

5. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, leading to a range of symptoms, including fatigue, muscle pain, and stiffness.

Like fibromyalgia, hypothyroidism can also cause cognitive problems, making it easy to mistake for fibromyalgia. A blood test can confirm or rule out whether a person has hypothyroidism.

6. Depression/Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are mental health disorders that can cause a range of physical symptoms, including muscle aches and fatigue, making them difficult to distinguish from fibromyalgia.

However, unlike fibromyalgia, depression and anxiety also cause mood disturbances and changes in appetite, which can indicate that the underlying cause of the symptoms is a mental health disorder.

7. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), is a condition in which a person experiences severe fatigue together with cognitive problems and other symptoms, such as headaches and muscle pain.

While the symptoms of ME/CFS are similar to those of fibromyalgia and CFS, people with ME/CFS tend to experience a post-exertional malaise, meaning that their symptoms get worse after physical or mental exertion.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive problems, it is essential to get properly diagnosed to receive appropriate treatment.

While fibromyalgia is a challenging condition to diagnose, it is crucial to rule out other conditions that mimic its symptoms. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.